Virginia Gov. Youngkin moves toward reimbursements for COVID-19 fines he calls “unjust”

On Tuesday, Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he plans on reimbursing both individuals and businesses who were fined for violating COVID-19 restrictions that were put in place by his predecessor, who was a democrat.

Youngkin made an executive order that directed state agencies to report COVID-19 fines and any other disciplinary actions that they imposed. The governor announced that he plans to create a reimbursement process within his upcoming budget proposal for restrictions that were imposed by former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam

“The fact that businesses are still dealing with COVID-19 related penalties and fines is infuriating,” said Youngkin in a statement. 

“Livelihoods are on the line,” he continued. “In the previous administration, we saw our government shut down businesses, close our schools and separate us from each other. While we can’t undo the damage done during the Northam administration, we are taking action going forward to end COVID-era Draconian overreach.”

Youngkin said the reimbursements will not apply to nursing homes, assisted living facilities or hospitals.